Basketball fans have been buzzing lately, and honestly, if you missed the latest Lakers and Grizzlies score, you missed a masterclass in Western Conference drama. We just saw these two teams wrap up a high-stakes back-to-back set at Crypto.com Arena, and the results have shifted the narrative for both franchises as we head deeper into the 2025-26 season.
The Los Angeles Lakers walked away with a hard-fought 120-114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on January 4, 2026. This wasn’t just a random mid-season win; it was a gritty, come-from-behind effort that proved this current Lakers squad has more than just star power—they have some serious resolve.
Breaking Down the 120-114 Lakers and Grizzlies Score
If you just look at the final numbers, you might think it was a standard Lakers win. It wasn't. The Grizzlies actually jumped out to a commanding lead early on, catching the Lakers flat-footed. At one point in the second quarter, Memphis held a 13-point lead, largely thanks to their dominance on the offensive glass.
The turning point came when Memphis rookie Cedric Coward went down with a leg injury. Before that, the Grizzlies were bullying the Lakers inside, leading 53-40 with about six minutes left in the half. But once the rotations shifted, the Lakers found their rhythm.
💡 You might also like: Por qué los partidos de Primera B de Chile son más entretenidos que la división de honor
The Luka and LeBron Show
Let’s talk about the duo everyone is watching. Luka Doncic finished the night with a team-high 36 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. He basically took over the fourth quarter, hitting back-to-back threes when the game was still in the balance.
Meanwhile, LeBron James—who is somehow still defying the laws of physics—added 26 points. It's wild to think that a player at his age is still the primary playmaker in the closing minutes of a tight game. He was everywhere, crashing the boards and feeding the Lakers' shooters during that 11-point comeback.
Why This Score Matters for the Western Conference
Currently, the Lakers sit at 24-14, holding down the 5th spot in the West. This win over Memphis gave them a much-needed cushion. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, are struggling at 17-22. They are sitting in that 10th spot, right on the edge of the play-in tournament picture.
📖 Related: South Carolina women's basketball schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
The score from their previous meeting on January 2nd was also a Lakers win, 128-121. Taking both games of the set is a massive psychological boost for JJ Redick’s squad. For Memphis, losing twice in three days to a conference rival hurts, especially when you consider how well their young core played in stretches.
Key Performers from the Grizzlies
- Jaylen Wells: The kid was a flamethrower, leading Memphis with 23 points. He kept them in it single-handedly during the fourth quarter.
- Jock Landale: He provided a huge spark off the bench, showing some veteran savvy in the paint.
- Santi Aldama: While he struggled with his shot at times, his 7 rebounds and 3 assists showed his versatility.
The Statistical Reality
The Lakers actually struggled from deep for most of the night, shooting a dismal 18.2% from three in the first half. You’d think that would lead to a blowout loss, but their defense tightened up. The Grizzlies' scoring by quarter actually dropped as the game went on: 34 in the first, then 31, then a measly 22 in the third.
That defensive adjustment is what actually won the game. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Lakers' length—specifically Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes—started to bother Memphis’ shooters.
👉 See also: Scores of the NBA games tonight: Why the London Game changed everything
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Grizzlies need to find a way to close out games without their full rotation. Missing key pieces against a team like the Lakers is always a tall order. They’ll need to regroup quickly to stay in the play-in hunt.
For the Lakers, the focus is on health and consistency. When Luka and LeBron are clicking like this, they look like title contenders. But the slow starts are a concern. They can't keep spotting good teams double-digit leads and expecting to claw back every time.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the Standings: The gap between the 5th and 10th seeds is shrinking. Every head-to-head tiebreaker matters now.
- Monitor Injuries: Keep an eye on the Grizzlies' injury report, specifically regarding Cedric Coward and their frontcourt depth.
- Luka's MVP Race: With performances like this, Doncic is firmly in the MVP conversation. His efficiency in the fourth quarter is becoming his trademark this season.
The final Lakers and Grizzlies score of 120-114 tells a story of a veteran team knowing when to push the button and a young team still learning how to finish. It was a classic NBA battle that will likely have major implications come April.